THE Philippines’ total agricultural trade rose slightly by 0.1 percent year-on-year in April 2025 to US$2.35 billion, according to the Philippine Statistics Authority, with export growth outpacing a drop in imports amid shifting demand and global trade dynamics.
Agricultural exports climbed 8.7 percent to $743.22 million, while imports fell 3.5 percent to $1.60 billion. Exports accounted for 31.7 percent of total agricultural trade, with imports making up the remaining 68.3 percent.
The trade deficit in agricultural goods narrowed 12 percent from a year earlier to $859.04 million, marking a reversal from March’s 11.1 percent annual expansion in the trade gap.
Export gains led by fats and oils
The biggest contributor to export growth was the commodity group of animal, vegetable, or microbial fats and oils and related products, which brought in $256.47 million, accounting for 34.5 percent of total agricultural exports.
The top 10 agricultural export groups collectively generated $722.95 million, or 97.3 percent of the month’s total agricultural export revenue, up 10.9 percent year-on-year.
Top export destinations
Among Asean markets, Malaysia was the leading buyer of Philippine agricultural exports in April, accounting for $15.25 million or 31.8 percent of the region’s total. Tobacco-related products topped the list of exported commodities to the region, followed by cocoa and edible preparations.
In the European Union, the Netherlands remained the top export destination, purchasing $99.04 million worth of agricultural goods, equivalent to 63.6 percent of the country’s total agricultural exports to the EU. The leading export products to the bloc included fats and oils ($102.27 million), meat and fish preparations ($22.98 million), and edible fruits and nuts ($10.22 million).
Import contraction
Meanwhile, agricultural imports declined to $1.60 billion, representing 15.6 percent of the country’s total imports. Imports from Asean totaled $693.46 million, with Vietnam emerging as the largest source at $276.73 million, or 39.9 percent of the regional total. The top imports were cereals ($212.51 million), fats and oils ($166.49 million), and edible preparations ($119.63 million).
From the European Union, Spain was the top supplier of agricultural goods, with $34.12 million worth of imports, or 25.6 percent of the regional total. The leading commodities from the EU included meat and edible offal ($42.85 million), dairy and animal-origin products ($25.32 million), and animal fodder ($12.84 million).
Growth slows
The April uptick in total agricultural trade was modest compared to annual growth of 16.5 percent in March 2025 and 25.6 percent in April 2024, reflecting a potential slowdown in trade momentum amid shifting external conditions and price trends. / KOC